Peer Specialist/CASAC-T -OA531501 na None

The Peer Specialist/CASAC T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor- Trainee) provides oriented, person-centered support services to individuals with substance use disorders. This role blends the lived experience of recovery with professional training in substance use counseling to engage participants, support treatment goals, and promote long- term recovery. The staff member assists with peer support, group facilitation, case management and clinical documentation under supervision, in compliance with OASAS and agency standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: List all essential job duties. (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.)

Peer Support Functions:

• Share lived experience of recovery to inspire hope, encourage engagement, and model positive coping strategies.
• Support participants in developing recovery and wellness goals.
• Provide individual peer support
• Assist clients in navigating community resources, self-help groups, and recovery networks.
• Advocate for participant needs and empower clients to become active participants in their recovery journey.

CASAC-T/Clinical Support Functions:

• Conduct intake screenings, biopsychosocial assessments, and treatment planning under supervision
• Provide individual and group counseling for clients with SUD, following evidence-based practices.
• Support relapse prevention planning, coping skills development, and harm reduction strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with OASAS regulations.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Performs other duties as required

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated commitment of the value of diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to balance peer support role with professional counseling duties.
• Ability to think clearly and handle crisis situations.
• Team collaboration, flexibility, and reliability.
• Ability to prioritize, think logically and follow procedures and instructions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports, clinic mission, vision and value statements, standards and the code of ethical behavior.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with auditors, regulatory bodies, clients, staff, colleagues, public, other agencies and their staff and third-party insurance personnel.

Job Knowledge

• Must have an excellent understanding of state and city OASAS/DOH/ OMH) regulations. Must have knowledge of third party and managed care requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• CASACT credential in good standing (working toward CASAC)
• High School diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s preferred)
• Personal lived experience with substance use recovery
• Completion or eligibility for peer specialist certification (e.g., NYS Certified Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred.